NLDS workout day: Getting Game 1 vital for Phils

Winning early in a short series, especially a best-of-five series, is always important.

The Phillies' need to take Game 1 of their National League Division Series is greater than most teams' need to strike early.

When the Phillies and Brewers start their NLDS on Wednesday, the Phillies will certainly have the starting-pitching edge. Cole Hamels enters the playoffs off his second straight season with at least 14 wins and an ERA under 3.50. Milwaukee right-hander Yovani Gallardo has fewer big league starts than Hamels has wins over the last two years and has started just once since May 1 after tearing the ACL in his right knee. As good as Gallardo's stuff is, he probably won't be able to pitch as deeply into the evening as Hamels will because he isn't stretched out.

Having the pitching edge isn't the only reason it's important for the Phillies to win Game 1. The biggest reason the Phillies need a Wednesday win is the man waiting to face them in Game 2 -- Milwaukee ace CC Sabathia.

Many people have assumed Sabathia will start to wear down because he has made his last three starts on three days' rest. Until it happens, don't count on it.

Sabathia has been the best pitcher in the majors since he was traded to Milwaukee. He is 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in his last 17 starts. He has a 0.83 ERA in his last three starts. He is making himself more money -- he will be a free agent after the season -- with each dominant effort.

The Phillies surely could beat Sabathia in Game 2. They could even have Brett Myers, who had 10 great starts before the two bad ones he had in his most recent outings, outduel Sabathia.

But if the Phillies lose Game 1, all the pressure will be on them. They cannot afford to go to Milwaukee down 0-2, the way they went to Colorado last season before getting swept.

Getting Game 1 on Wednesday will make Game 2 a gravy game. No one will expect them to beat Sabathia. If they do, all the better for them. If they don't, they would head to Milwaukee tied 1-1 with steady Jamie Moyer set to take the ball in Game 3.

Hamels has lofty expectations for himself. He wants to be viewed on the same level as the game's best pitchers.

Winning Wednesday would move him closer to that goal. It would also be the best recipe for the Phillies to win this series.

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In today's NLDS notebook, we have word on a back injury suffered by Pat Burrell and quotes and info on Hamels and Gallardo.

Burrell hurt his lower back during batting practice this afternoon. He will be re-evaluated before Wednesday's game.

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If you can't watch Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS, check here for live updates before, during and after the game.